Silas Redd

Taking over for Evan Royster, Penn State's all-time leader in rushing yards, Redd will need to make a huge impact in the Nittany Lions' backfield.

Redd will be running behind a questionable offensive line, but his ability should allow him to have a great season for Penn State.

He is powerful and has a low center of gravity, but is also extremely quick. He can lower his shoulder while cutting through the first level of defense, but he is shifty enough to make a defensive back miss and take it to the house.

With the quarterback situation in Happy Valley still very much up in the air, Redd could be leaned on heavily.

Kirk Cousins

The Michigan State Spartans went 11-2 in 2010, thanks in large part to signal caller Kirk Cousins.

In 2010, Cousins threw for over 2,800 yards to go along with 20 touchdowns. He is a smart decision maker with an underrated arm in the pocket.

With new weapons emerging for the Spartans in 2011, some of the weight should be taken off the shoulders of Cousins. He will have better chemistry with his receiving targets, and will also be able to lean on a very good backfield led by Edwin Baker.

Cousins is a solid quarterback with the heart to go with his talent. He is a tireless worker who understands how to play his position.

The emergence of Spartans football last season was due in large part to Cousins' play.

Denard Robinson

Denard Robinson may be the most electric player in the country, let alone the Big Ten.

Robinson is a run-first, throw-second quarterback, but he will have to adapt to a new pro-style offense run by new head coach Brady Hoke in 2011.

Robinson is known for his running ability, having run for more than 1,700 yards in 2010. Nonetheless, he has a capable arm and throws the ball more accurately than you would expect from a quarterback of his style.

Heading into 2011, Robinson is definitely being whispered as an early Heisman contender. His adaptation to his new offensive style is the only mystery factor involved.

If Robinson adapts early, he will have a huge year. Even if it takes Robinson a grace period of a few games, he has the ability to make up for it very quickly.

Dan Herron

Because of the presence of Terrelle Pryor in 2010, Dan Herron was frequently overshadowed.

In 2011, Herron will look to improve on his 16-touchdown season from a year ago.

With the surprising defection of Pryor from the offensive fold in Columbus, Herron should be the focal point on a reeling Buckeyes squad.

He is a powerful runner, and looks like he can handle the workload he will surely face this season.

With more chances to tote the rock and the loss of top receiving targets Dane Sanzenbacher and Devier Posey (Posey for the first five games of the season), Herron should be the top weapon for the Buckeyes.

Look for Herron to lead the Big Ten in rushing and keep the Buckeyes afloat in a competitive Big Ten conference.

James White

As a freshman in 2010, James White ran for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Considering that Wisconsin always seems to have a stable of running backs, this should come as no surprise.

White has great open-field speed, and together with Montee Ball, he should give the Badgers one of the better one-two punches in the entire nation.

White is now more experienced as well as better-conditioned to take the punishment from running in the rugged Big Ten. That should translate into bigger numbers and another great season for the Badgers in Madison.